The article explores a transformative period in crypto history known as the initial coin offering (ICO) boom. During this period, ICOs emerged, allowing blockchain-based projects to raise capital by selling pre-released tokens directly to investors.

ICO model blended an initial public offering (IPO) with crowdfunding, raising funds for blockchain projects. While ICOs generated significant returns for some projects and investors, it was also marked by exit scams and regulatory concerns.

Major projects like Ethereum, EOS, Chainlink, Filecoin, Tezos, and Telegram emerged from the ICO boom. Notably, Ethereum itself was initially funded through an ICO, raising $18 million.

The ICO boom was largely facilitated by the Ethereum network, enabling the creation of ERC-20 tokens and launching new projects. However, many ICOs faced legal issues, with some being deemed as offering unregistered securities by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Despite the legal challenges, ICOs played a crucial role in fundraising for key blockchain projects. The ICO boom solidified Ethereum's prominence in the crypto ecosystem and set standards for ERC-20 tokens.

The article concludes with an invitation to follow Cointelegraph for updates on the next piece in the History of Crypto series, which will delve into the crypto winter of 2018 and Ethereum's evolution during that time.